Throwback: Mercury Inch Closer To Championship

The Phoenix Mercury won their first WNBA championship in 2007 by defeating the Detroit Shock 3-2 in a competitive finals series. This victory laid the foundation for their subsequent two championships.

Finishing the regular season 23-11, the Mercury began their playoff run by sweeping the Seattle Storm 2-0 in the first round, securing a blowout road win followed by a series-clinching home victory.

Advancing to the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Stars, Phoenix swept the series 2-0. They narrowly won Game 1 on the road 102-100, powered by outstanding performances from all five starters: Cappie Pondexter (26 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists), Diana Taurasi (20 points), Penny Taylor (18 points, 14 rebounds double-double), Tangela Smith (17 points), and Kelly Miller (10 points).

The Mercury closed out the series at home in Game 2 with a 98-92 victory. Pondexter led with a near triple-double (33 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists), supported by Taylor (23 points, 7 rebounds, 4 blocks) and contributions from Taurasi (18 points) and Miller (15 points).

After efficiently sweeping their first two playoff series, Phoenix faced the Shock in the Finals. Detroit took Game 1, but Phoenix responded by winning Game 2. After Detroit won Game 3, the Mercury forced a decisive Game 5 with a narrow 77-76 victory in Game 4, ultimately winning their inaugural championship.